When you bring up the topic of being mindful, you can instantly tell who is open to a discussion that might be considered new-agey. To me, being mindful is about living in the moment and slowing down. When you are 100% engaged in an activity and immerse all of your senses in whatever it is that you are doing, the quality of that experience is heightened.
To teach is to learn, and that is what I do here on these blogs, on this website, and all other social media activities. (I just started Periscope!). I write, talk and teach about topics I need to work on – from fitness to spirituality. We are all constantly learning and evolving. I am NOT the same person I was ten, twenty, or thirty years ago. And the more I evolve, the more I realize I not only need to stop and smell the roses — I want to!
When I was growing up, I got the encyclopedia and physically turned the pages to research a specific topic. I remember smelling the ink on the paper, and feeling how soft it was. Now, we have so much information readily available at our fingertips by tapping a few keys on our mobile phones. I remember when I had to use a map or stop and ask directions. Now, I type the address into Google Maps and some unknown voice tells me how to get to my destination. On a few occasions, however, she was way, way off.
I’m all for information technology and the wonderful advantages it has brought to us, but it’s the simple things that bring us the most joy; like smiling at a baby and watching his or her face light up into a huge grin. We can look at photos of exotic locations to which we’d like to travel, but it’s not the same as being there, is it? The sights, smells and sounds are much different.
Being mindful is a technique you can practice constantly. The very act of physically engaging – not just reading, listening or looking with our eyes – but a total sensory perception of what it is you are doing every moment can greatly reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and help prevent heart attacks. We are a nation of overachievers, but sometimes it is truly magnificent to stop in front of a garden, look at each gorgeous flower petal, feel its silky softness and inhale the sweet scent. On a recent trip to Napa Valley, I realized the importance of immersing myself 150% into the experience of just tasting wine. You look at the color, smell and identify the fruit and the wine’s essence, then take time to really taste. We had great conversations and wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Set a timer a couple of times throughout the day to be mindful of that moment. Chew your food more slowly. Engage in a friendly hug a moment longer or breathe the fresh air when you first walk outside. Watch an entire sun setting into the horizon. In stillness of every breathtaking moment is when we receive inspiration, are mindful and truly live in the moment.
Amen! “Stop and smell the roses” is over-said and under-utilized. There are so many little moments that we can miss out on if we don’t slow down and be mindful of our surroundings. And I feel that it is those little moments that can bring us the most joy and happiness! 🙂 Thanks for the reminder to be mindful, Shemane!
My pleasure Jill! Thanks for commenting!
Lotsa hugs To Happy…I watched your post twice a Day or two ago…And He Put me in a mindset…Cause. I watched him Again…Lol…I Felt like I was right There Too While he played with his Stick…..
Thanks Pete! Happy is doing very well!
There’s some good things in this blog, Shemane. Truly, one must confront and not confuse computer skills and keyboard digitation with intellect. We are beings that are hardwired to learn shaped by eons of evolution. Computer technology allows a greater ability to identify, “What” but can’t provide the integration of a series of identifed data to formulate,”Therefor”. Awareness confirms tangible facta but also delves beyond to those intangible realms where the reality found there are uniquely our individual own. Namaste. 😉
Interesting perspective. Thanks Stan!
Hi Shemane—This is a wonderful topic —today made my weekend better!
We often think to ourselves that a more inspiring time –is the time we should
take to learn something interesting and thank God at the same time!
Thanks CHERYL S.
Thanks Cherry! Glad it helped you! xo
Shemane,
We only have a limited amount of time on this earth, every breath more precious than the last. Having Multiple Sclerosis, I have to be mindful of everything. Positive attitude in such a negative word is so overwhelming, I personally need to remind myself daily. I love the great outdoors and its life lessons.thank you for the inspiration…have a great day. Pamela
Thank you Pamela for your inspiring message. God bless you!
Exactly right, Pamela! Many blessings, health and happiness to you!